ORIGINAL: CafeenMan
Millions of people have learned to fly with balsa planes. I don't regret it.
Considering that balsa was virtually the only option for most of model airplane history, it's not surprising that many people (millions?) have learned to fly with balsa planes - probably a wide majority of current flyers. Kind of a silly statement, really. Can't see why one would regret learning to fly on any type of plane.
Natural selection at work. If you can't handle crashing a plane then find a different hobby.
As a rational, thinking human it is my responsibility to plan ahead - to prepare myself to "handle it" - in anything I do. To reject advances in thought, knowledge, safety, methods, and/or materials will limit my ability to properly prepare or protect myself in most any area of my life. The worst possible mistake I can make at any time is to cop a "tradition" type attitude - as in "it's always been (or been done) this way - and new ways suck!" I limit my life, my safety, and my fun too much by doing so.
As a beginner, I know that learning to fly has a high “crash” probability – most likely after I’ve soloed and left the watchful hands of my competent instructor. Consequently, I'm preparing myself in the best ways possible so that a crash will not be difficult to handle. I've built a very tough, durable, and relatively easy to construct trainer to minimize any crash damage - and to eliminate or shorten any possible down time. I built the complete airframe for under $20.00 (and I have materials left over for additional fuses). If it's totaled it will have negligible financial impact. My free time is extremely limited so I picked a plane for a speedy build. I'd rather use the time learning to fly than spend it at the workbench.
Yup! I built a SPAD. A modified Debonair from [link=http://www.spadtothebone.com]SpadtotheBone[/link]
In the past, I've also built two balsa trainers. An ugly stick and another I can't remember the name of (it was the club recommended trainer choice at the time). There is absolutely no question which plane has the better chance of surviving and thriving in a newbies hands. All three are butt ugly. But the balsas are matchsticks - fragile things that will obviously shatter from modest impacts. My Spad trainer will take much more - and could easily survive and fly after Chris's "kick" test - most likely without any damage.
Learning to fly ... Hmmm! Probably gonna crash a time or two ... or at least have some hard landings. Hrmm! Let's see ... give me that flimsy, fragile, balsa trainer kit for $$ and 50 to 100 hours (or more?) build time. Wait, maybe I should have that flimsy, fragile, balsa trainer ARF for $$$ and 20 to 40 hours (or more) build time. I'm a masochist, you see! I like to cause myself grief...